President’s Day in Botswana
President’s Day is a public holiday specific to Botswana, set by law for the third Monday in July. The day is associated with national cultural celebrations and arts events, while the law separately lists the Tuesday that follows as a public holiday too.[1][2]
Legal status and dates
Botswana’s Public Holidays Act names President’s Day as the third Monday in July and also names the following Tuesday as a public holiday. That Tuesday is a separate listed holiday, not an observed or substitute day for President’s Day. The Act’s mining-industry exception recognizes only Christmas Day, Good Friday and Botswana Day as public holidays in mineral-winning undertakings.[1]
Public Service Regulations list both President’s Day and the following day as paid public holidays for public-service employees. They also set double-time pay for public-service employees who work on a paid public holiday, subject to the regulations. These rules do not establish the opening hours of every public office or business.[3]
History and meaning
A government guideline booklet says the first President, Sir Seretse Khama, declared the holiday and that it has since been observed countrywide. It describes successive presidents using the occasion to celebrate Botswana’s cultures and visit communities on a rotating basis.[2]
The same booklet describes President’s Day as a national celebration and a platform for showcasing cultural diversity. It connects the occasion with recognition for artists and with activities intended to develop creative work from community level.[2]
Arts and community events
The government booklet describes President’s Day competitions that begin at regional level and progress to national finals in Gaborone during July. It covers artistic disciplines and says the competitions aim to showcase cultural variety, raise the profile of Botswana’s artists and develop their performance and presentation skills.[2]
These sources document arts competitions and community visits, but do not establish a standard menu, nationwide ceremony, military parade or uniform celebration across the country. The documented regional rounds and national finals point to a programme with local and national stages rather than one identical event everywhere.[2]
Practical planning
Banks observe public holidays as bank holidays. Under the Banking Act, banks may not transact business with the public on a bank or public holiday unless the Central Bank gives permission. Plan in-person banking for another working day, and check with individual providers about digital services.[4]
Check opening hours with the shop, government counter or transport provider before you go. If you need a particular service, confirm its schedule directly; the Tuesday after President’s Day is also listed as a public holiday in the Act.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is President’s Day in Botswana?
It falls on the third Monday in July, as set out in Botswana’s Public Holidays Act.[1]
Is it a one-day or two-day public holiday?
Are banks open?
Banks may not transact business with the public on a public holiday unless the Central Bank gives permission. Check your bank for digital-service availability.[4]
Are shops and public transport open?
Check opening hours with the business or transport provider before you travel.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for President’s Day in Botswana:
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ACT, 2006- Parliament of Botswana (text hosted by Botswana Laws)
- PRESIDENT’S DAY COMPETITIONS: GUIDELINE BOOKLET- Government of Botswana, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture
- PUBLIC SERVICE REGULATIONS, S. I. NO. 39 OF 2010- Government of Botswana (text hosted by Botswana Laws)
- Banking Act, 2023- Bank of Botswana